Question

Magnesium is extracted by electrolysing fused magnesium chloride containing NaCl&CaCl2 using :

• A. A nickel cathode and a graphite anode.
• B. The iron container as anode and a nickel cathode.
• C. The iron container as cathode and a graphite rod as anode.
• D. The nickel container as cathode and iron anode.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The iron container as cathode and a graphite rod as anode.

Answer 2

MgCl2 Mg2+ + 2Cl–

At cathode : Mg2+ + 2e–$\longrightarrow$ Mg(99% pure) ;

At anode : 2Cl–$\longrightarrow$ Cl2 + 2e–